Now is the Time for a Tobacco Buyout to Occur

Source from:  Bowling Green (KY) Daily News 07/05/2004

Tobacco farmers received some encouraging news recently when they were told that a buyout might be just around the corner. U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis, R-Cecilia, told farmers Thursday that the bill is currently in committee, but could be on President Bush's desk by the end of the month. It passed the House 251-178. This is great news after years of failed efforts to get a buyout through for tobacco farmers. Farmers at the meeting agreed that it was a good bill and said that this was probably the best and last chance they had to get a bill through. The $9.6 billion buyout would pay $7 a pound to tobacco quota owners and $3 a pound to growers based on the 2002 quota. Those who grow and own their own quota would get $10 a pound. The buyout language is attached to a bill that also would lower cooperate tax rates to compensate for trade sanctions on U.S. exports. "We've got to get what we can get when we can get it," Lewis said. This is true. The time has passed for politics and political wrangling. It is now time to think of our tobacco farmers. Both President Bush and Sen. John Kerry support the buyout, which would benefit Southern tobacco farmers. Some in the Senate want the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the industry. That is fine as long as they stay off the farm, as Lewis said. One positive aspect of the buyout is that it would end the quota system and would make U.S. tobacco more competitive with foreign-grown tobacco. It is encouraging after so many previous efforts we may have a bill with a reasonable chance of passing. We certainly hope that no one tries to obstruct this bill. Lewis, who has worked continuously for a buyout over the years, should be commended for his effort. We hope the buyout is successful and that tobacco farmers are compensated for declining quotas and subsequent loss of income. Enditem